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The Buono for Governor campaign today launched “The Christie Price tag,” an interactive website that shines a light on Governor Christie’s failed record on property taxes. The Christie Price tag pinpoints the amount which Governor Christie’s policies have cost New Jersey families and underfunded local schools.

According to data from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, New Jersey property taxes effectively increased by over 20% during Governor Christie’s first two years in office. The sharp increase is attributed to the governor’s decision to slash property tax rebates for middle class families while cutting aid to schools and municipalities. Governor Christie’s budget cuts have underfunded New Jersey schools by $4.4 billion, despite legislation requiring the state to adequately fund all local schools.

“While Governor Christie has tried desperately to rewrite his record on property taxes, the facts are clear that, under the Christie administration, property taxes have skyrocketed and school funding has been recklessly slashed,” said David Turner, communications director for the Buono for Governor campaign. “Rather than championing real property tax relief, the governor focused on pushing a tax cut for the wealthy, cementing his out-of-touch his priorities.

“The Christie Price tag allows New Jerseyans to see firsthand how Governor Christie’s policies are hurting cities across New Jersey. Instead of more false rhetoric and shallow promises, New Jerseyans deserve a governor who is committed to investing in our schools and will fight everyday to increase take-home pay for working people and the middle class.”

Using 2011 data from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the Christie Price tag calculates how much property taxes have increased for families across New Jersey. The website also contrasts the funding that school districts should receive under the School Funding Reform Act with Governor Christie’s proposed funding levels in his FY 2014 budget using data from the Education Law Center.